Bernalillo Homecoming Parade: a tradition like no other

BERNALILLO — The annual Bernalillo Homecoming Parade swept through Camino del Pueblo Oct. 2 and brought many smiles to the Bernalillo community.

The Bernalillo Homecoming Parade dates back more than 80 years with the first parade occurring in 1942.

According to Bernalillo High School principal Alyssa Sanchez Padilla, about 25 to 28 floats participated.

PHOTOS: Bernalillo Homecoming Parade 2024

"There really is nothing like it. The whole town and all the schools come out, and there is a ton of candy," Sanchez Padilla said.

The floats were made up of class sponsors, students from school clubs and organizations, athletic programs, students from various schools throughout Bernalillo Public Schools, and the Bernalillo football team, who were being carried on a red semi-truck. It also marked the first year that the school has had a marching band.

"Being at this school has showed that there is a lot of support in the community. We're a growing district, but we are on the up-and-up, and they had roads closed just so we could have an event like this, and it means a lot," Sanchez Padilla said.

This year's homecoming theme is based on the movie "Tangled," and the upcoming homecoming dance has been named "Tangled in our Memories."

As part of BHS Homecoming week, many students at the parade dressed up Disney characters.

On Oct.4, BHS will announce its homecoming king and queen at halftime during the home football game against Kirtland Central (1-4).